Healthy count

The health of Pauatahanui Inlet is being restored, judging by the big increase in cockle numbers recorded in the latest survey by the Guardians of the Pauatahanui Inlet (GOPI). Cockle numbers have risen 21 percent, from 277 million to 336 million, since the "#$# sive 87 percent since 1995. This is good for the cockles, but must also be an indication that the general ecological health % &'( son John Wells. ) contaminants and sediments entering the harbour and inlet, particularly since the implementation of the Porirua Harbour and Catchment Strategy and Action Plan in 2012. The actions taken by Greater Wellington Regional Council, Porirua City Council, farmers and urban developers to drastically reduce the edly having a positive effect, says Prof Wells. The Cockle Survey has been undertaken by GOPI every three years since 1992 and is analysed by NIWA. The full report by NIWA gives more detail and can be found at http://www.gopi.org.nz/cockle-survey-2/.